Gaming machine with reel and display in front of the reel for displaying unit game and playing method thereof

ABSTRACT

In a gaming machine, one rotation reel is arranged to be straddling over first and second displays behind them. Then, mutually different symbols on a circumferential face of the rotation reel are respectively arranged behind a window portion of the first display and a window portion of the second display. Also, rearranged symbols are respectively displayed at portions other than the window portion of the first display and portions other than the window portion of the second display. As a result, the slot games using a symbol on the rotation reel that is arranged behind the window portion and symbols displayed at portions other than the window portion are respectively executed on the first display and the second display. The slot game of the first display and the slot game of the second display contain symbols on a common rotation reel, so that outcomes of the slot games have a coordination with each other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/027,675 filed on Feb. 11, 2008, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of utilizing a rotation reel and a display in front of a rotation reel for displaying a unit game, and a playing method thereof

2. Description of the Related Art

In the U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/0025843 specification, a gaming machine in which a display capable of making transparent display is arranged in front of a rotation reel is described. In this gaming machine, symbols on a circumferential face of the rotation reel which is rearranged by rotation and stopping of the rotation reel is made visible to a player through a transparent display portion of the display. Also, effect images are displayed at a surrounding portion other than the transparent display portion of the display, and the contents of the effect images are coordinated with the rearrangement of the symbols.

If two displays are provided for displaying unit games in such a gaming machine, it would be required to provide two rotation reels in correspondence to the respective displays.

However, if two sets of a display and a rotation reel are simply used for displaying unit games, it would only be such that each set displays an individual unit game, and no particular advantage would be attained by using two displaying.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has an object to provide a gaming machine with a superior entertainment quality and a playing method thereof, for displaying a unit game by using a rotation reel with symbols arranged on its circumferential face and a display provided in front of a rotation reel.

The first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a first display configured to display symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, having a first transparent portion through which a rear of the first transparent portion is visible; a second display configured to display a prescribed image in the unit game, having a second transparent portion adjacent to the first transparent portion, the second transparent portion being in a transparent display state where a rear of the second transparent portion is visible through the second transparent portion at least in a state where a prescribed condition is fulfilled; a rotation reel arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display, having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face and capable of being rotated and stopped; and a controller configured to: (a) stop the rotation reel in rotation, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the first transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the second transparent portion, in the unit game, (b) display the symbols rearranged from the arranged state in the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled, (c) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the first transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled, and (d) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.

The second aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a first display configured to display symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, having a transparent portion through which a rear of the transparent portion is visible; a second display configured to display a prescribed image in the unit game, having a switching display portion adjacent to the transparent portion, the switching display portion being capable of being switched to a transparent display state where a rear of the switching display portion is visible and a normal display state where a rear of the switching display portion is not visible; a rotation reel arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display, having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face and capable of being rotated and stopped; and a controller configured to: (a) stop the rotation reel in rotation, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the switching display portion, in the unit game, (b) switch the switching display portion from the normal display state to the transparent display state, and display the symbols rearranged from the arranged state in the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled, (c) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled, and (d) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the transparent portion and the switching display portion in the transparent display state, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.

The third aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a first display configured to display symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, having a transparent portion through which a rear of the transparent portion is visible; a second display configured to display a prescribed image in the unit game, having a switching display portion adjacent to the transparent portion, the switching display portion being capable of being switched to a transparent display state where a rear of the switching display portion is visible and a normal display where a rear of the switching display portion is not visible; a rotation reel arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display, having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face and capable of being rotated and stopped; an illumination light source arranged behind a boundary between the first display and the second display, an illumination range with respect to the circumferential face being limited to a circumferential face region behind the transparent portion as a light path toward a circumferential face region behind the switching display portion within the circumferential face is blocked by a light blocking wall; and a controller configured to: (a) stop the rotation reel in rotation, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the switching display portion, in the unit game, (b) switch the switching display portion from the normal display state to the transparent display state, and display the symbols rearranged from the arranged state in the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled, (c) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled, and (d) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the transparent portion and the switching display portion in the transparent display state, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is a playing method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: displaying symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, on a first display having a first transparent portion through which a rear of the first transparent portion is visible; displaying a prescribed image in the unit game, on a second display having a second transparent portion adjacent to the first transparent portion, second transparent portion being in a transparent display state where a rear of the second transparent portion is visible through the second transparent portion at least in a state where a prescribed condition is fulfilled; stopping a rotation reel in rotation, that is arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display and having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the first transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the second transparent portion, in the unit game; determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the first transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled; and determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled, wherein the step of displaying the prescribed image in the unit game on the second display includes: displaying the symbols rearranged from the arranged state as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is a playing method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: displaying symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, on a first display having a transparent portion through which a rear of the transparent portion is visible; displaying a prescribed image in the unit game, on a second display having a switching display portion adjacent to the transparent portion, the switching display portion being capable of being switched to a transparent display state where a rear of the switching display portion is visible and a normal display state where a rear of the switching display portion is not visible; stopping a rotation reel in rotation, that is arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display and having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the switching display portion, in the unit game; switching the switching display portion from the normal display state to the transparent display state, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled; determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled; and determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the transparent portion and the switching display portion in the transparent display state, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled, wherein the step of displaying the prescribed image in the unit game on the second display includes: displaying the symbols rearranged from the arranged state as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an operation of a slot machine which is one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention and an outline of its playing method.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotation reel portion of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an exemplary display of a slot game on a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an exemplary display of a slot game on a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rotation reel shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing one example of a payout table used in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an exemplary display of a slot game on a slot machine according to a modification of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of a slot machine according to still another modification of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an exemplary display of a slot game on a slot machine according to another modification or still another modification of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following, an operation of a slot machine which is one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention and an outline of its playing method will be described with references to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an operation of a slot machine which is one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention and an outline of its playing method. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to one example of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotation reel portion of a slot machine according to one example of the present invention. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are explanatory diagrams showing exemplary displays of a unit game on a slot machine according to one example of the present invention.

On a front face of a cabinet 11 of a slot machine 10 as one example of a gaming machine shown in FIG. 2, a display 16 as a second display is provided. On an upper side of the cabinet 11, a top box 12 is provided. On a front face of the top box 12, an upper display 33 as a first display is provided. These display 16 and upper display 33 are arranged to be adjacent vertically, and each one of them can be formed by a liquid crystal display capable of making transparent display.

Behind the display 16 and the upper display 33, a rotation reel 3 is arranged to be straddling over both of them. As shown in FIG. 3, this rotation reel 3 is rotated and stopped by a stepping motor 45. On a circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3, a plurality of symbols 5 are arranged with intervals along a rotation direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display 16 has a window portion 16a as a second transparent portion or a switching display portion, at a section located in front of the rotation reel 3. Also, the upper display 33 has a window portion 33 a as a first transparent portion or a transparent portion, at a section located in front of the rotation reel 3. These window portions 16a and 33 a are arranged to be adjacent vertically.

By setting each one of these window portions 16 a and 33 a in a transparent display state, as shown in FIG. 4, the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 becomes visible to a player through the window portions 16 a and 33 a. Consequently, by stopping the rotation of the rotation reel 3 such that the symbols 5 are arranged behind the respective window portions 16 a and 33 a, the symbols 5 become visible to a player through the respective window portions 16 a and 33 a.

Note that the stopping position of the rotation reel 3, that is, the contents of the symbols 5 arranged behind the respective window portions 16 a and 33 a, can be comprehended by reading contents of identifiers 6 such as bar codes or the like arranged on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 in correspondence to respective symbols 5 by a sensor 7 arranged at a distance from the circumferential face 4, as shown in FIG. 3.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a symbol 9 a arranged or rearranged in each unit game is displayed by video images at portions other than the window portion 33 a on the upper display 33. Also, a symbol 9 b arranged or rearranged at a time of the unit game can be displayed by video images at portions other than the window portion 16 a on the display 16. Note that positions for displaying the symbols 9 a and 9 b can be set at portions on left and right sides of the window portions 16 a and 33 a.

In the slot machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the display of the symbol 9 a by the video images is carried out at the above described portions other than the window portion 33 a on the upper display 33 each time the unit game is carried out (step S1).

Also, in this slot machine 10, a prescribed image is displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a on the display 16 at a time of the unit game (step S2). Note that, in a state where a prescribed condition is realized (fulfilled), the symbols 9 b, 9 b that are rearranged from the arranged state will be displayed as the prescribed image at portions other than the window portion 16 a on the display 16, as shown in FIG. 4. In a state where the prescribed condition is not realized, the symbols 9 b, 9 b as the prescribed image will not be displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a on the display 16, as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

In addition, in this slot machine 10, the rotation and the stopping of the rotation reel 3 are carried out each time the unit game is carried out. When the rotated rotation reel 3 is stopped, one of the plurality of symbols 5 arranged on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33, while another one of the symbols 5 on the circumferential face 4 is arranged behind the window portion 16 a of the display 16 (step S3).

Then, in this slot machine 10, in a state where the prescribed condition is not realized (step S4 NO), an outcome of the unit game is decided by the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 that is arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the symbol 9 a displayed at portions other than the window portion 33 a on the upper display 33 (step S5).

Also, in this slot machine 10, in a state where the prescribed condition is realized (step S4 YES), the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is switched from a normal display state in which the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 arranged behind it is not visible by a player, to a transparent display state in which the circumferential face 4 is visible by a player (step S6).

Then, an outcome of the unit game is decided by the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 that is arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the symbol 9 a displayed at portions other than the window portion 33 a on the upper display 33, as well as the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 that is arranged behind the window portion 16 a of the display 16 that is set in the transparent display state and the symbol 9 b displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a on the upper display 16 (step S7).

As described above, in the slot machine 10 according to one example of the present invention, the symbol 5 that constitutes the unit game displayed on the upper display 33 along with the symbol 9 a displayed at portions other than the window portion 33 a on the upper display 33 and the symbol 5 that constitutes the unit game displayed on the display 16 along with the symbol 9 b displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a on the display 16 in a state where the prescribed condition is realized will be rearranged by the rotation and the stopping of the common rotation reel 3.

Consequently, according to the gaming machine of the present invention which is representatively exemplified by the above described slot machine 10, the entertainment quality as the gaming machine can be made superior by providing a coordination between outcomes of the unit games respectively displayed at two displays (the first display and the second display) such as the upper display 33 and the display 16 described above.

Next, the detail of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with references to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 of this embodiment has the cabinet 11, the top box 12 arranged on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. On a front side of the main door 13, the display 16 (corresponding to the second display in claims) is provided.

On the lower side of the display 16, various types of input buttons 23 to 27 through which commands related to the proceeding of the game will be inputted by a player, a medal insertion slot 21 for accepting medals, and a bill validator 22 for checking the validity of bills and accepting valid bills are provided. Note that the bill validator 22 may be configured such that it can read a bar code attached ticket 39.

Also, in a vicinity of these medal insertion slot 21 and bill validator 22, various types of operation switches are provided. As the operation switches, a payout switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a spin repeat bet switch 26, and a start switch 27 are provided.

The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the credit amount to be bet with respect to the slot game to be executed on the display 16, where the credit of one medal will be bet every time the BET switch 25 is pressed, as will be described below.

The spin repeat bet switch 26 is for executing the slot game by betting the credit again without changing the credit amount bet by the BET switch 25 described above in a previous game.

The start switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game after the desired amount of credit is bet. When this start switch 27 is pressed after either medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or the credit is bet by the BET switch 25, the slot game will be started on the display 16.

The payout switch 23 is a switch for having the inserted medals paid out, and the medals to be paid will be ejected from a medal payout opening 19 that is opening at a lower front side of the main door 13, and the paid medals will be accumulated in a medal tray 18.

The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting the maximum amount of credit (30 medals, for example) that can be bet in a single play of the slot game, by a single operation.

Note that, in this embodiment, an exemplary case of using medals as the gaming medium to be used at a time of executing the slot game is described, but the gaming medium for the slot game is not limited to the medals, and can be medals, tokens, electronic money, or electronic value information (credit) corresponding to these.

On the lower front face of the main door 13, a foot display 34 is provided, which displays a prescribed image according to an image display control data contained in a currently executed game software. Also, on a side face of the top box 12, a speaker 29 is provided. On a front face of the top box 12, the upper display 33 (corresponding to the first display in claims) is provided.

Each of the upper display 33 of the top box 12 and the display 16 of the main door 13 has a liquid crystal panel capable of making transparent display. Then, the upper display 33 and the display 16 have the window portions 33 a and 16 a, respectively. These window portions 33 a and 16 a are arranged to be adjacent vertically.

In this embodiment, the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 is always set in the transparent display state in which its behind (rear) is visible. Also, the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is switched between the transparent display state in which its behind (rear) is visible and the normal display state in which its behind (rear) is not visible.

Inside the cabinet 11, the rotation reel 3 is arranged to be positioned behind the upper display 33 and the display 16 and straddling over both of them.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation reel 3 is rotated by the stepping motor 45. On the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3, a plurality of symbols 5 are arranged with intervals along a rotation direction of the rotation reel 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is visible to a player through the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33. Consequently, by stopping the rotation of the rotation reel 3 such that the symbols 5 are arranged behind the window portion 33 a, the symbols 5 of the rotation reel 3 become visible to a player through the window portion 33 a.

Also, by setting the window portion 16 a of the display 16 in the transparent display state, the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is visible to a player through that window portion 16 a. Consequently, by stopping the rotation of the rotation reel 3 such that the symbols 5 are arranged behind the window portion 16 a, the symbols 5 become visible to a player through that window portion 16 a.

Note that the stopping position of the rotation reel 3, that is, the contents of the symbols 5 arranged behind the respective window portions 16 a and 33 a, can be comprehended by reading contents of identifiers 6 such as bar codes or the like arranged on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 in correspondence to respective symbols 5 by a sensor 7 arranged at a distance from the circumferential face 4, as shown in FIG. 3. Note that, for the detection of the contents of the identifiers by the sensor 7, various types of known schemes such as an optical one or a magnetic one can be utilized. This sensor 7 is attached to a frame 41 (see FIG. 6) to be described below.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the rotation reel 3 of FIG. 3 described above. The rotation reel 3 is rotatably supported by the box shaped frame 41 along with the stepping motor 45, as shown in FIG. 6. This frame 41 has openings 42 a and 42 b that are partitioned vertically by a stay 43 (corresponding to a light blocking wall in claims) on a side of the upper display 33 and the display 16. An upper half of the circumferential face 44 of the rotation reel 3 (corresponding to a circumferential face region behind a transparent portion in claims) is exposed to the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 through the upper side opening 42 a. A lower half of the circumferential face 44 of the rotation reel 3 is exposed to the window portion 16 a of the display 16 through the lower side opening 42 b.

The stay 43 is arranged to be facing against a boundary portion between the upper display 33 and the display 16. On an upper face of the stay 43, an upper light 44 a facing toward the upper half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is attached, and on a lower face of the stay 43, a lower light 44 b facing toward the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is attached. The stay 43 blocks a light path of the illumination light from the upper light 44 a illuminating toward the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3. Also, the stay 43 blocks a light path of the illumination light from the lower light 44 b illuminating toward the upper half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3. Consequently, the upper light 44 a illuminates the upper half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3, and the lower light 44b illuminates the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3,

As shown in FIG. 2, on an upper side of the upper display 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a key pad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints a bar code, in which data such as the credit amount, the date and time, the identification number of the slot machine 10, etc. are encoded, on a ticket, and outputs it as the bar code attached ticket 39.

A player can make the bar code attached ticket 39 read at another slot machine, and use it as bets at a time of playing the slot game at that slot machine or exchange the bar code attached ticket 39 to bills and the like at a prescribed location in a gaming facility (a cashier in the casino, for example).

The card reader 36 is capable of having a smart card inserted therein, and carrying out a reading of data from the inserted smart card and a writing of data into the smart card. The smart card is a card to be carried around by a player, which stores data for identifying a player and data regarding a log of games played by a player.

The smart card may also store data corresponding to coins, bills, or credit. Also, instead of the smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted. The data display 37 is formed by a fluorescent display or the like, and displays data read by the card reader 36 and data inputted by a player through the key pad 38, for example.

Also, instead of the smart card, an RFID scheme may be adopted and a card to/from which data can be written/read in a non-contact manner may be used. The key pad 38 is for inputting commands and data regarding a ticket issuance and the like.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine according to this embodiment. In the figure, a controller 40 is a micro-computer, which has an interface circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper driving circuit 124, a display driving circuit 128, display controllers 140 and 141, a motor driving circuit 51 for driving the stepping motor 45 of the rotation reel 3, a reel position detection circuit 52 for detecting a rotation, a stopping, and a stopped position of the rotation reel 3 according to an output of the sensor 7 of the rotation reel 3, and light driving circuits 53 and 54 for driving the upper light 44 a and the lower light 44 b, respectively.

The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input/output bus 104, and this input/output bus 104 carries out input/output of data signals or address signals with respect to the CPU 106.

To the interface circuit group 102, the start switch 27 is connected. A start signal outputted from this start switch 27 is converted into a prescribed signal at the interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.

In addition, to the interface circuit group 102, the BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin repeat bet switch 26 and the payout switch 23 are connected. Then, the switching signals outputted from these switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into prescribed signals at this interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.

Moreover, to the interface circuit group 102, a medal sensor 43 is connected. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting medals inserted at the medal insertion slot 21, which is provided at a medal insertion portion of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted from this medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a prescribed signal at this interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.

To the input/output bus 104, the ROM 108 for storing a system program and the RAM 110 for storing various types of data are connected. In the RAM 110, areas and the like for managing flags and storing various types of information are provided.

In the ROM 108, the payout table is stored. The payout table indicates a condition for generating the payout, and its correspondence relationship with the credit payout amount in the case where this condition is satisfied. The condition for generating the payout is determined according to contents of symbols rearranged in the slot game. The rearrangement contents of symbols to become targets for generating the payout can be determined by the number of scatter symbols rearranged or a pattern of a winning combination realized on a payline in the slot game.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of the payout table stored in the ROM 108. The payout table shown in FIG. 8 is showing a case for generating the payout according to a pattern of a winning combination realized on a payline. Then, in a case where a winning combination “7-7-7” is realized, the payout becomes 100 times the bet credit number. In a case where a winning combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” is realized, the payout becomes 50 times the bet credit number. In a case where a winning combination “BELL-BELL-BELL” is realized, the payout becomes 20 times the bet credit number. In a case where a winning combination “CHRRY-CHERRY-ANY” is realized, the payout becomes 10 times the bet credit number. In a case where a winning combination “CHRRY-ANY-ANY” is realized, the payout becomes 5 times the bet credit number.

The CPU 106 reads out game execution programs from the ROM 108 and executes the slot game, at a timing when a start operation of the game is accepted by the start switch 27. There are two game execution programs, where either one of the game execution programs is selectively executed according the credit amount bet for the slot game.

Then, one game execution program is a program for executing the slot game by driving the stepping motor 45 of the rotation reel 3 through the motor driving circuit 51, while displaying the symbols 9 a, 9 a as dynamically changing simultaneously at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33.

The slot game to be executed by the one game execution program described above has the following content. First, the symbols 5 on the circumferential face 4 that are arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 are displayed as dynamically changing and stopped, by rotating and stopping the rotation reel 3. Also, the symbols 9 a, 9 a are displayed as dynamically changing simultaneously at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and stopped. In addition, the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is set in the normal display state in which behind of the window portion 16 a becomes invisible as a non-transparent image is displayed. Also, a gray background image is displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16. Then, in a case where a winning combination is realized by three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33, the credit of the payout amount according to the payout table stored in the ROM 108 will be paid. Consequently, the slot game to be executed by the one game execution program described above will be as shown in FIG. 5.

Here, the gray background image to be displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16 indicates that the display 16 is not in a display state capable of realizing a winning combination that can be a target of the payout. In other words, a payline that can be a target of the payout when a winning combination is realized is set only on a line in a horizontal direction with the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 at a center.

Also, another one game execution program described above is a program for executing the slot game by driving the stepping motor 45 of the rotation reel 3 through the motor driving circuit 51, while displaying the symbols 9 a, 9 a as dynamically changing simultaneously at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33, and also displaying the symbols 9 b, 9 b as dynamically changing simultaneously at the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16.

The slot game to be executed by the another one game execution program described above has the following content. First, the symbols 5, 5 on the circumferential face 4 that are respectively arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and behind the window portion 16 a of the display 16 are displayed as dynamically changing and stopped, by rotating and stopping the rotation reel 3. Also, the symbols 9 a, 9 a are displayed as dynamically changing simultaneously at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and stopped. In addition, the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is set in the transparent display state in which behind of the window portion 16 a becomes visible as a transparent image is displayed. Also, the symbols 9 b, 9 b are displayed as dynamically changing simultaneously at the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16 and stopped. Then, in a case where a winning combination is realized by three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33, or three symbols 9 b, 5 and 9 b rearranged on the display 16, the credit of the payout amount according to the payout table stored in the ROM 108 will be paid. Consequently, the slot game to be executed by the another one game execution program described above will be as shown in FIG. 4.

In other words, paylines that can be targets of the payout when a winning combination is realized in the slot game to be executed by the another game execution program described above are respectively set on a line in a horizontal direction with the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 at a center and on a line in a horizontal direction with the window portion 16 a of the display 16 at a center.

To the input/output bus 104, the random number generator 112, the communication interface circuit 111, the display controllers 140 and 141, the hopper driving circuit 124, the speaker driving circuit 122, the display driving circuit 128, the motor driving circuit 51, the reel position detection circuit 52, and the light driving circuits 53 and 54 are connected.

The communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a hall server or the like, and transmits data on a play log executed at this slot machine 10 and the like to the hall server. It also receives various types of data transmitted from the hall server.

The random number generator 112 generates a random number for determining whether or not to generate a winning combination or a jackpot in the slot game executed on the upper display 33 or the display 16.

The display driving circuit 128 carries out a control for displaying the payout amount on a payout display region 48 provided on a lower left region of the display 16.

The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs speech data to the speaker 29. Namely, the CPU 106 reads out the speech data stored in the ROM 108, and transmit this speech data to the speaker driving circuit 122 through the input/output bus 104. In this way, a prescribed effect sound will be generated from the speaker 29.

The hopper driving circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper 44 when the payout is generated. Namely, when a payout signal is inputted by the payout switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 through the input/output bus 104. In this way, the hopper 44 pays medals corresponding to the remaining amount of credit at that moment which is stored in a prescribed memory region of the RAM 110.

The display controller 140 carries out a display control for displaying the prescribed image on the display 16. Namely, the CPU 106 generates an image display command signal for displaying the prescribed image on the display 16, and outputs the generated image display command signal to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104. When the image display command signal outputted from the CPU 106 is inputted, the display controller 140 generates a driving signal for driving the display 16 according to this image display command, and outputs this generated driving signal to the display 16. In this way, the prescribed image will be displayed on the display 16.

Note that, by the display control carried out by the display controller 140 described above according to the image display command signal from the CPU 106, the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is switched between the transparent display state in which its behind is visible and the normal display state in which its behind is not visible.

Then, by the display control carried out by the display controller 140 according to the image display command signal from the CPU 106, the symbol 9 b is displayed respectively at portions on the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16 as shown in FIG. 4, when the window portion 16 a is in the transparent display state. Also, when the window portion 16 a is in the normal display state, the gray background image is displayed as shown in FIG. 5.

The display controller 141 carries out a display control for displaying an image on the upper display 33. Namely, the CPU 106 generates an image display command signal for displaying an image on the upper display 33, and outputs the generated image display command signal to the display controller 141 through the input/output bus 104. When the image display command signal outputted from the CPU 106 is inputted, the display controller 141 generates a driving signal for driving the upper display 33 according to this image display command, and outputs this generated driving signal to the upper display 33. In this way, an image will be displayed on the upper display 33.

Note that, by the display control carried out by the display controller 141 described above according to the image display command signal from the CPU 106, the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 is made to always display transparently and set in a state in which behind of the window portion 33 a is visible.

Also, by the display control carried out by the display controller 141 according to the image display command signal from the CPU 106, the symbol 9 a is displayed respectively at portions on the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 as shown in FIG. 4.

Note that, at a background portion of the symbols 9 a, 9 a on the upper display 33 except for the window portion 33 a, a white background image is displayed by the display control carried out by the display controller 141 according to the image display command signal from the CPU 106. This white background image indicates that the upper display 33 is in a display state capable of realizing a winning combination that can be a target of the payout.

Next, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 9, the operation of the slot machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is the flow chart showing a procedure of the slot game processing to be carried out by the CPU 106 shown in FIG. 7 according to the game execution program stored in the ROM108.

First, when it is entered into the slot game processing shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 106 judges whether the credit is bet or not at the step S11. In this processing, the CPU 106 judges whether or not either a signal outputted from the BET switch 25 as the BET switch 25 is pressed or a signal outputted from the MAXBET switch 24 as the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed is received. When it is judged that the credit is not bet, the processing is returned to the step S11.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the credit is bet at the step S11, the CPU 106 proceeds to the step S12, and subtracts the credit amount stored in the RAM 11 according to the bet credit amount.

Next, at the step S13, the CPU 106 judges whether the start switch 27 is pressed or not. In this processing, the CPU 106 judges whether or not a signal outputted from the start switch 27 as the start switch 27 is pressed is received.

When it is judged that the start switch 27 is not pressed, the CPU 106 returns the processing to the step S11. Note that, when the start switch 27 is not pressed (a case where a command for finishing the game is inputted without pressing the start switch 27, for example), the CPU 106 cancels the subtraction result of the credit amount at the step S12.

Then, when it is judged that the start switch 27 is pressed at the step S13, the CPU 106 proceeds from the step S13 to the step S14, and judges whether the bet credit amount is less than or equal to 10 or not. When the bet credit amount is not less than or equal to 10 (step S14 NO), the processing proceeds to the step S19 to be described below.

On the other hand, when the bet credit amount is less than or equal to 10 (step S14 YES), the CPU 106 determines the stopped symbol on the upper display 33 at the step S15. In this stopped symbol determination processing, the CPU 106 determines the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 to be stopped behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the symbols 9 a, 9 a to be stopped at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a by executing a stopped symbol determination program which is one of the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108. The contents of these symbols 5 and 9 a to be stopped can be determined by executing a random number generation program utilizing the random number generator 112.

Next, the CPU 106 carries out the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16. This processing is a processing for starting display of the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 to be arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 as dynamically changing by rotating the rotation reel 3, and then stopping it. In addition to that, the symbol dynamically changing display processing is a processing for starting display of the symbols 9 a, 9 a at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 as dynamically changing, and then stopping it. By this processing for starting and stopping the dynamically changing display, three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a are rearranged on the upper display 33.

The symbol dynamically changing display processing of the step S16 is also a processing for setting the window portion 16 a of the display 16 in the normal display state while displaying the gray background image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16. In addition, the symbol dynamically changing display processing of the step S16 is also a processing for turning the upper light 44 a on by the light driving circuit 53 and turning the lower light 44 b off by the light driving circuit 54 such that only the upper half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is illuminated by the upper light 44 a.

When the dynamically changing display processing is finished, the CPU 106 proceeds to the step S17, and judges whether the three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33 at the step S16 described above are realizing a winning combination that is set in the payout table stored in the ROM 108, on the payline of the upper display 33 or not, by referring to the payout table shown in FIG. 8.

Then, when the three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33 are realizing a winning combination that is set in the payout table on the payline of the upper display 33 (step S17 YES), it is regarded that a win is realized, and at the step S17, the CPU 106 determines the credit payout amount to be the payout amount set in correspondence to that winning combination and the credit amount bet for the slot game, and proceeds from the step S17 to the next step S18.

On the other hand, when the three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33 at the step S16 described above are not realizing a winning combination that is set in the payout table stored in the ROM 108 on the payline of the upper display 33 (step S17 NO), it is regarded that a win is not realized, and the CPU106 returns to the step S11 described above and executes the next slot game processing.

At the step S18, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing for paying the credit according to a result of the win at the step S16 described above. In this payout processing, the CPU 106 adds the credit payout amount generated at the step S17 described above to the credit amount stored in the RAM 110. After that, the CPU106 returns to the step S11 described above and executes the next slot game processing.

Also, at the step S19, the CPU 106 determines the stopped symbol on the upper display 33 and the stopped symbol on the display 16. In this stopped symbol determination processing, the CPU 106 determines the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 to be stopped behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the symbols 9 a, 9 a to be stopped at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a by executing a stopped symbol determination program which is one of the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108. As a result, the symbol 5 on the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 to be stopped behind the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is also determined in a manner of chain reaction. Also, in this stopped symbol determination processing, the CPU 106 determines the symbols 9 b, 9 b to be stopped at the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16 by executing the stopped symbol determination program which is one of the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108. The contents of these symbols 5, 9 a, 9 a, 9 b, and 9 b to be stopped can be determined by executing the random number generation program utilizing the random number generator 112.

Next, the CPU 106 carries out the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S20. This processing is a processing for starting display of the symbols 5 on the circumferential face 4 to be arranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the window portion 16 a of the display 16 respectively as dynamically changing by rotating the rotation reel 3, and then stopping them. In addition to that, the symbol dynamically changing display processing is a processing for starting display of the symbols 9 a, 9 a and the symbols 9 b, 9 b at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 of the upper display 33 and the window portion 16 a of the display 16 respectively as dynamically changing, and then stopping them. By this processing for starting and stopping the dynamically changing display, three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a are rearranged on the upper display 33, and three symbols 9 b, 5 and 9 b are rearranged on the display 16.

The symbol dynamically changing display processing of the step S20 is also a processing for setting the window portion 16 a of the display 16 in the transparent display state. In addition, the symbol dynamically changing display processing of the step S20 is also a processing for turning the upper light 44 a and the lower light 44 b on by the light driving circuit 53 and the light driving circuit 54 respectively such that the upper half and the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 are illuminated by the upper light 44 a and the lower light 44 b respectively.

When the dynamically changing display processing is finished, the CPU 106 proceeds to the step S21, and judges whether the three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33 or the three symbols 9 b, 5 and 9 b rearranged on the display 16 at the step S20 described above are realizing a winning combination that is set in the payout table stored in the ROM 108, on the paylines of the upper display 33 or the display 16 or not, by referring to the payout table shown in FIG. 8.

Then, when the three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33 or the three symbols 9 b, 5 and 9 b rearranged on the display 16 are realizing a winning combination that is set in the payout table on the paylines of the upper display 33 or the display 16 (step S21 YES), it is regarded that a win is realized, and at the step S21, the CPU 106 determines the credit payout amount to be the payout amount set in correspondence to that winning combination and the credit amount bet for the slot game, and proceeds from the step S21 to the next step S22. At this point, when the winning combinations are realized on the paylines of the upper display 33 and the display 16 respectively, the payout amount combining the respective payout amounts corresponding to these will be determined as the credit payout amount.

On the other hand, when the three symbols 9 a, 5 and 9 a rearranged on the upper display 33 and the three symbols 9 b, 5 and 9 b rearranged on the display 16 at the step S20 described above are not realizing a winning combination that is set in the payout table stored in the ROM 108 on any of the paylines of the upper display 33 and the display 16 (step S21 NO), it is regarded that a win is not realized, and the CPU106 returns to the step S11 described above and executes the next slot game processing.

At the step S22, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing for paying the credit according to a result of the win at the step S20 described above. In this payout processing, the CPU 106 adds the credit payout amount generated at the step S21 described above to the credit amount stored in the RAM 110. After that, the CPU106 returns to the step S11 described above and executes the next slot game processing.

In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment in such a configuration, when the slot game for which the credit is bet is executed, the rotation reel 3 behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 is rotated and then stopped, and the symbol 5 arranged behind the window portion 33 a is rearranged. In addition to that, the symbols 9 a, 9 a are rearranged at the left and right sides of the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33.

Then, in the case where the credit amount bet for the slot game is less than or equal to 10, as shown in FIG. 5, the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is set in the normal display state such that the symbol 5 of the rotation reel 3 behind it becomes not visible, and the gray background image is displayed at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16. Namely, the rearrangement of the symbols 9 b, 5 and 9 b on the display 16 will not be carried out.

On the other hand, in the case where the credit amount bet for the slot game is greater than or equal to 11, as shown in FIG. 4, the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is set in the transparent display state, and the symbol 5 arranged behind the window portion 16 a is rearranged by the rotation and the stopping of the rotation reel 3. In addition to that, the symbols 9 b, 9 b are rearranged at the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16.

Consequently, in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, in the case where only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet for the slot game, the payline on which a winning combination that can be a target of the payout can be realized is set only on the upper display 33. In other words, in the case where only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet, the slot game to be executed will be only one game on the upper display 33.

On the other hand, in the case where the credit greater than or equal to 11 is bet for the slot game, the paylines on which a winning combination that can be a target of the payout can be realized are set on the upper display 33 and the display 16 respectively. In other words, in the case where the credit greater than or equal to 11 is bet, the slot games to be executed will be two games on the upper display 33 and the display 16.

Then, in the case where the slot games are to be executed simultaneously on the upper display 33 and the display 16 respectively as the credit greater than or equal to 11 is bet, the symbol 5 rearranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the symbol 5 rearranged behind the window portion 16 a of the display 16 will be the symbols arranged on the circumferential face 4 of the common rotation reel 3.

In other words, in the case where the two slot games are to be executed simultaneously on the upper display 33 and the display 16, the symbol 5 rearranged behind the window portion 33 a of the upper display 33 and the symbol 5 rearranged behind the window portion 16 a of the display 16 will be determined in coordination by the rotation and the stopping of the common rotation reel 3.

For this reason, at a time of executing the two slot games simultaneously by using two displays of the upper display 33 and the display 16, the entertainment quality as the slot machine 10 can be made superior by providing a coordination between outcomes of both of the slot games.

Also, according to the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the light path of the illumination light from the upper light 44 a, that is turned on in order to illuminate the upper half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3, illuminating toward the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is blocked by the stay 43.

For this reason, in the slot game for which only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet, when the lower light 44 b for illuminating the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is turned off, the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 will not be illuminated by the illumination light from the upper light 44 a.

Thus, there will not be a case where the symbol 5 of the rotation reel 3 located behind the window portion 16 a becomes visible to a player as the lower half of the circumferential face 4 of the rotation reel 3 is illuminated by the illumination light of the upper light 44 a for illuminating the upper half, despite of the fact that the window portion 16 a of the display 16 is set in the normal display state.

Consequently, in the slot game for which only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet and in which the payline is not set on the display 16, it is possible to prevent a player from having a confusion that the slot game is executed on the display 16 simultaneously as the upper display 33 as in the case of the slot game for which the credit greater than or equal to 11 is bet.

Note that, in this embodiment, a configuration for displaying the gray background image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16 will be displayed in the slot game for which only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet has been described. However, instead of displaying the gray background image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16, it is also possible to use a configuration for displaying a message “NO CHANCE”, for example, at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16, which indicates that it is not in a display state capable of realizing a winning combination that can be a target of the payout.

In the case of the slot machine 10 according to a modification of this embodiment which adopts such a configuration, in the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16 of FIG. 9, the CPU 106 will execute a processing for displaying a message such as “NO CHANCE” described above, for example, as the prescribed image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16, which indicates that it is not in a display state capable of realizing a winning combination that can be a target of the payout, instead of a processing for displaying the gray background image as the prescribed image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16.

In this case, in the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16 of FIG. 9, the CPU 106 will execute a processing for displaying a message such as “NO CHANCE” as the prescribed image on the entire display 16, by using not only portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16 but also the window portion 16 a of the display 16 which is in the normal display state. As the CPU 106 carries out such a processing, the display state of the display 16 becomes one shown in FIG. 10.

Also, even in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to use a configuration in which the CPU 106 displays the gray background image to be displayed as the prescribed image by using not only portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16 but also the window portion 16 a of the display 16 which is in the normal display state, in the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16 of FIG. 9, similarly as in the slot machine 10 of the modification described above.

In addition, in the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment described above and its modification, a configuration for displaying the gray background image or the message such as “NO CHANCE” at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16 or the entire display 17 including the window portion 16 a as the prescribed image in the slot game for which only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet has been described.

However, it is also possible to use a configuration for continuing to display the latest symbols 9 b, 9 b rearranged on the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a unchanged in the slot game for which only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet.

In the case of the slot machine 10 according to another modification of this embodiment which adopts such a configuration, it suffices to use a configuration in which the content of the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16 of FIG. 9 is changed to the content which omits the processing for displaying the gray background image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16.

It is also possible to use a configuration for rearranging the symbols 9 b, 9 b at the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16, even in the slot game for which only the credit less than or equal to 10 is bet, similarly as in the case of the slot game for which the credit greater than or equal to 11 is bet.

In the case of the slot machine 10 according to still another modification of this embodiment which adopts such a configuration, in the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16 of FIG. 9, it suffices for the CPU 106 to execute a processing for starting display of the symbols 9 b, 9 b at the left and right sides of the window portion 16 a of the display 16 as dynamically changing and then stopping it at the step S16 a, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11, instead of executing a processing for displaying the gray background image at portions other than the window portion 16 a of the display 16.

In the slot machine 10 according to another modification of this embodiment or the slot machine 10 according to still another modification of this embodiment described above, as the CPU 106 carries out a processing that replaces the symbol dynamically changing display processing at the step S16 of FIG. 9, the display state of the display 16 becomes one shown in FIG. 12.

Even in such a configuration, the symbol 5 of the rotation reel 3 behind the portion 16 a of the display 16 that is set in the normal display state is not visible to a player, so that it is possible to prevent a player from having a confusion that the slot game is executed on the display 16 simultaneously as the upper display 33. Consequently, it is possible to obtain the effects similar to the slot machine 10 of this embodiment.

Also, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the slot game capable of realizing a winning combination of a payline is executed even on the display 16 simultaneously as the upper display 33 in the case where the credit amount greater than or equal to 11 is bet for the slot game has been used. However, a condition by which the slot game capable of realizing a winning combination of a payline is executed even on the display 16 simultaneously as the upper display 33 can be based on factors other than the credit amount bet for the slot game.

For example, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the slot game capable of realizing a winning combination of a payline is executed even on the display 16 simultaneously as the upper display 33, in the next slot game, under the condition that a prescribed outcome is generated in the previous slot game.

In the slot machine 10 of another embodiment of the present invention using such a configuration, when the condition by which the slot game is executed even on the display 16 simultaneously as the upper display 33, which is representatively exemplified by the condition that a prescribed outcome is generated in the previous slot game, is generically referred to as a prescribed condition, instead of the processing for judging whether the credit amount bet for the slot game is less than or equal to 10 or not at the step S14 of FIG. 9, the CPU 106 will make a judgment as to whether the prescribed condition is realized or not at the step S14 a shown in FIG. 13. Then, in the case where the prescribed condition is not realized (step S14 a NO), the processing proceeds to the step S15, whereas in the case where the prescribed condition is realized (step S14 a YES), the processing proceeds to the step S19.

Note that it should be apparent that the configuration of each modification described above for the slot machine 10 of one embodiment of the present invention described above with references to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9 is similarly applicable to the slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention described above with reference to FIG. 13 as well.

In the above, a slot machine and a playing method of a slot machine of the present invention have been described on bases of the embodiments shown in the figures, but the present invention is not limited to these, and a configuration of each unit can be replaced by an arbitrary configuration which has the similar functions.

For example, in the embodiments described above, the case where the slot game to be executed on the upper display 33 or the display 16 is for rearranging symbols in three partitioned regions formed by three columns and one row has been described, but a number of arranged symbols in the slot game to be executed on the upper display 33 or the display 16 is arbitrary in both the column direction and the row direction.

Also, in the detailed description above, the characteristic portions are mainly described in order to make the present invention easily understandable. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, and can be applied to the other embodiments, and its range of application is wide. Also, the terms and the terminology used in the present specification are used only for the purpose of explaining the present invention precisely, and not used for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Also, for those skilled in the art, it should be easy to contemplate other configurations, systems, methods, etc., that are contained in the concept of the present invention, from the content of the invention described in the present specification. Consequently, the description of the scope of claims should be construed as containing equivalent configurations within a range of not deviating from a range of the technical ideas of the present invention. Also, the purpose of the abstract is to make it possible for the patent office, the general public organizations, and technicians and the like who belong to the present technical field and who are not thoroughly familiar with patent and law terms or specialized terms, to quickly judge the technical content and its essence of the present application by a simple search. Consequently, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which should be evaluated by the description of the scope of claims. Also, in order to sufficiently understand the purpose of the present invention and the effects specific to the present invention, they should preferably be interpreted by sufficiently referring to the documents and the like that are already disclosed in public.

In addition, the detailed description above contains the processing to be executed by a computer. The explanations and expressions in the above are described for the purpose of facilitating the most efficient understanding by those skilled in the art. In the present specification, each step used in deriving one result should be understood as a processing without a self-contradiction. Also, at each step, transmission and reception, recording, etc., of electric or magnetic signals will be carried out. In the processing at each step, such signals are expressed by bits, values, symbols, letters, terms, numbers, etc., but it should be noted that they are used simply because they are convenient for the purpose of explanation. Also, there are cases where the processing at each step is described by an expression common to the human behavior, but the processing described in the present specification is to be executed by various devices in principle. Also, the other configuration required in carrying out each step will be obvious from the above description. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a first display configured to display symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, having a first transparent portion through which a rear of the first transparent portion is visible; a second display configured to display a prescribed image in the unit game, having a second transparent portion adjacent to the first transparent portion, the second transparent portion being in a transparent display state where a rear of the second transparent portion is visible through the second transparent portion at least in a state where a prescribed condition is fulfilled; a rotation reel arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display, having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face and capable of being rotated and stopped; and a controller configured to: (a) stop the rotation reel in rotation, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the first transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the second transparent portion, in the unit game, (b) display the symbols rearranged from the arranged state in the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled, (c) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the first transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled, and (d) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.
 2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the controller displays an image indicating that a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the second transparent portion is not related to the outcome of the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled.
 3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the controller judges whether or not the prescribed condition is fulfilled according to an amount bet for the unit game.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a first display configured to display symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, having a transparent portion through which a rear of the transparent portion is visible; a second display configured to display a prescribed image in the unit game, having a switching display portion adjacent to the transparent portion, the switching display portion being capable of being switched to a transparent display state where a rear of the switching display portion is visible and a normal display state where a rear of the switching display portion is not visible; a rotation reel arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display, having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face and capable of being rotated and stopped; and a controller configured to: (a) stop the rotation reel in rotation, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the switching display portion, in the unit game, (b) switch the switching display portion from the normal display state to the transparent display state, and display the symbols rearranged from the arranged state in the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled, (c) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled, and (d) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the transparent portion and the switching display portion in the transparent display state, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.
 5. The gaming machine of claim 4, wherein the controller displays an image indicating that a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the switching display portion is not related to the outcome of the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled.
 6. The gaming machine of claim 4, wherein the controller judges whether or not the prescribed condition is fulfilled according to an amount bet for the unit game.
 7. A gaming machine comprising: a first display configured to display symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, having a transparent portion through which a rear of the transparent portion is visible; a second display configured to display a prescribed image in the unit game, having a switching display portion adjacent to the transparent portion, the switching display portion being capable of being switched to a transparent display state where a rear of the switching display portion is visible and a normal display where a rear of the switching display portion is not visible; a rotation reel arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display, having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face and capable of being rotated and stopped; an illumination light source arranged behind a boundary between the first display and the second display, an illumination range with respect to the circumferential face being limited to a circumferential face region behind the transparent portion as a light path toward a circumferential face region behind the switching display portion within the circumferential face is blocked by a light blocking wall; and a controller configured to: (a) stop the rotation reel in rotation, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the switching display portion, in the unit game, (b) switch the switching display portion from the normal display state to the transparent display state, and display the symbols rearranged from the arranged state in the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled, (c) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled, and (d) determine an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the transparent portion and the switching display portion in the transparent display state, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.
 8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the controller displays an image indicating that a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the switching display portion is not related to the outcome of the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled.
 9. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the controller judges whether or not the prescribed condition is fulfilled according to an amount bet for the unit game.
 10. A playing method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: displaying symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, on a first display having a first transparent portion through which a rear of the first transparent portion is visible; displaying a prescribed image in the unit game, on a second display having a second transparent portion adjacent to the first transparent portion, second transparent portion being in a transparent display state where a rear of the second transparent portion is visible through the second transparent portion at least in a state where a prescribed condition is fulfilled; stopping a rotation reel in rotation, that is arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display and having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the first transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the second transparent portion, in the unit game; determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the first transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled; and determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled, wherein the step of displaying the prescribed image in the unit game on the second display includes: displaying the symbols rearranged from the arranged state as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.
 11. The playing method claim 10, wherein the step of displaying the prescribed image in the unit game on the second display includes: displaying an image indicating that a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the second transparent portion is not related to the outcome of the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled.
 12. The gaming machine of claim 10, further comprising the step of: judging whether or not the prescribed condition is fulfilled according to an amount bet for the unit game.
 13. A playing method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: displaying symbols rearranged from an arranged state in a unit game, on a first display having a transparent portion through which a rear of the transparent portion is visible; displaying a prescribed image in the unit game, on a second display having a switching display portion adjacent to the transparent portion, the switching display portion being capable of being switched to a transparent display state where a rear of the switching display portion is visible and a normal display state where a rear of the switching display portion is not visible; stopping a rotation reel in rotation, that is arranged to straddle over a rear of the first display and a rear of the second display and having a plurality of symbols on a circumferential face, such that one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the transparent portion and another one of the plurality of symbols on the circumferential face is arranged behind the switching display portion, in the unit game; switching the switching display portion from the normal display state to the transparent display state, when the prescribed condition is fulfilled; determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols displayed on the first display and a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the transparent portion, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled; and determining an outcome of the unit game according to symbols respectively displayed on the first display and the second display, and symbols on the circumferential face respectively arranged behind the transparent portion and the switching display portion in the transparent display state, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled, wherein the step of displaying the prescribed image in the unit game on the second display includes: displaying the symbols rearranged from the arranged state as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is fulfilled.
 14. The playing method claim 13, wherein the step of displaying the prescribed image in the unit game on the second display includes: displaying an image indicating that a symbol on the circumferential face arranged behind the second transparent portion is not related to the outcome of the unit game as the prescribed image on the second display, in a state where the prescribed condition is not fulfilled.
 15. The gaming machine of claim 13, further comprising the step of: judging whether or not the prescribed condition is fulfilled according to an amount bet for the unit game. 